Here are some of the top recent headlines from New Brunswick as of November 21, 2025:

1. New agreement with physicians aims to improve primary care access
The provincial government announced a forthcoming four-year deal with the medical society intended to boost access to primary care services in the province.

2. Civilian hailed for assisting RCMP in Moncton arrest
In Moncton, a civilian stepped in during an arrest to help a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer, and the person is being described as “courageous” by police.

3. Softwood pulp purchase halted by Maine mill
A lumber mill in Maine has temporarily stopped buying Canadian-sourced softwood pulpwood from New Brunswick, pointing to tariffs as a reason for the decision.

4. Meanwhile — snowfall and winter-weather warnings in effect
Weather alerts are active across central and northern New Brunswick as snowfall warnings are in place. lakelandtoday.ca+1

Saint John, NB – Tragedy on Loch Lomond Road

A 43-year-old woman has died after being struck by a Saint John Transit bus early Thursday morning.

According to Saint John Police, the collision occurred near the intersection of McDonald Street and Loch Lomond Road. Emergency crews were called in at approximately 6:09 a.m., and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene

The City of Saint John confirmed the vehicle involved was a Saint John Transit bus. In a statement, city officials expressed their condolences to the victim’s family and noted the impact such a loss has on the entire community:

“Our thoughts are with the individual’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time. Incidents like this are difficult for our entire community.”

A section of Loch Lomond Road, between McDonald Street and Courtenay Avenue, remains closed while police continue their investigation.

Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have dash-cam or video footage from the area around the time of the crash.  You can contact the Saint John Police Force at 506-648-3333. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Key Headlines — New Brunswick

1. Crime – Third Charge in Saint John Homicide

   • A third person has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a Saint John, NB, homicide. The suspect, MacKenzie Moir (25), was a federal inmate who was unlawfully at large at the time of the incident. Global News+1

   • According to the Saint John Police Force, Moir also faces a charge for possession of a firearm while prohibited. saintjohnpolice.ca

   • He appeared in court via video conference on Nov 19, 2025, and his next court date is set for Dec 1, 2025. saintjohnpolice.ca

2. Crime – Assault in Federal Prison

   • There was an assault on an inmate at the Établissement de l’Atlantique (Atlantic Institution), a federal maximum-security prison in New Brunswick. Canada

   • The injured inmate was taken to a hospital, and the incident is under investigation by the Atlantic Institution and the RCMP’s Blackville detachment. Canada

3. Crime Trends – Homicide Spike

   • The number of homicides in New Brunswick rose significantly in 2024, with 18 killings, marking a jump that hasn’t been seen in 35 years in the province. TVA CIMT CHAU

4. Health – Substance Use / Overdose Support Funding

   • Health Canada is investing over $900,000 (through its Substance Use and Addictions Program) into the Sophia Recovery Centre in Saint John to strengthen peer-led support for women. Canada

   • The funding will support mentorship, wellness training, and recovery-oriented care for women with lived experience of substance use. Canada

5. Health – Access to French-Language Care

   • The Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick (SANB) is pushing for equitable access to French-language health care in NB. SANB

   • Their “Équipe Acadie 2025” strategy calls for more French-speaking health professionals and structured funding to improve services in francophone and rural communities. SANB

6. Health / Policy – Provincial-Federal Health Deal

   • The New Brunswick and Canadian governments have a bilateral health agreement to address staff shortages and improve healthcare delivery. Canada

   • A big part of the plan includes recruiting more doctors, faster credential recognition for internationally-trained health workers, and piloting new care delivery models. Canada

7. Politics – Health Minister

   • John Dornan, a physician and current NB Minister of Health, has stated his government wants to address long waitlists by setting up “collaborative care clinics”, where once a patient enters the clinic, they remain there even if individual providers change. Reddit

   • The government plans to open at least 30 of those clinics by early 2028, with at least 10 targeted this year. Reddit

Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church and its first Latin American leader, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. AP News​

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected pope in 2013. He was renowned for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and efforts to modernize the Church. His papacy emphasized environmental stewardship, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. The Guardian​

In the weeks leading up to his death, Pope Francis had been hospitalized for double pneumonia and was released on March 23. Despite his health challenges, he made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, offering blessings from St. Peter’s Basilica. AP News​

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo, announced the pope’s passing, stating, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.” Axios​

Tributes have poured in from around the world. King Charles III reflected on his final meeting with the pope, praising his compassion and commitment to unity. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with Francis on Easter Sunday, noted the pope’s frailty during their encounter.

Pope Francis’s funeral is expected to take place within four to six days, followed by a nine-day period of mourning known as “novendiali.” In accordance with his wishes, he will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903.

The conclave to elect his successor is anticipated to begin between May 6 and May 11, 2025.

Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of compassion, humility, and a commitment to addressing modern challenges within the Church.​

Global Tributes Pour In for Pope Francis

 

 

People.com

King Charles Reflects on Final Meeting with Pope Francis 12 Days Before His Death

Today